D8. Custom Fields

This lesson provides a detailed guide on custom fields in FLEx, explaining how to create, configure, and manage them. Here’s a summary:

Objective:

• Understand when to use custom fields in FLEx.

• Learn how to create and configure custom fields.

• Set up a custom list for use with a custom field.

• Learn how to format and display tables in FLEx.

1. What Are Custom Fields?

• FLEx provides many default fields, but sometimes additional fields are needed.

• Custom fields can be created for:

  • Entries

  • Senses

  • Example Sentences

  • Allomorphs (not covered in this lesson)

• They can use various data types and writing systems.

2. Attributes of a Custom Field

Each custom field has six attributes:

1. Name & Description – Identifies the field and its purpose.

2. Location – Where it appears (Entry, Sense, Example).

3. Type – The kind of data it holds.

4. List (if applicable) – Links to a predefined list.

5. Writing System – Specifies the language system.

6. Configuration & Display – Controls how it appears in FLEx.

3. Types of Custom Fields

• Single-line Text – Short text field (e.g., "Notes" field).

• Multiparagraph Text – Allows multiple paragraphs (not recommended for lexicons).

• List Reference (Single Item) – Dropdown selection of one item.

• List Reference (Multiple Items) – Allows multiple selections.

• Number – Stores whole numbers.

• Date – Stores calendar dates.

4. Creating & Using Custom Fields

Example 1: Adding a "Questions" Field

• Purpose: A private field for linguists' notes.

• Steps:

  1. Open Tools → Configure → Custom Fields.

  2. Click Add, name the field Questions.

  3. Set Location to "Entry."

  4. Choose Single-line text as the Type.

  5. Select All Analysis Writing Systems.

  6. Click OK to save.

Example 2: Creating a "Usage Note" Field

• Purpose: Adds explanations for word usage.

• Steps:

  1. Add a Sense-level custom field.

  2. Select Single-line text as the Type.

  3. Configure it for First Analysis Writing System.

  4. Use Configure Dictionary to make it visible.

5. Custom Lists

• Used to create dropdown fields.

• A custom list must be created before a list-based custom field.

• Example: Creating a "Topics" list with Animal, Weather, Food.

Steps to Create a Custom List

1. Go to Lists and create a new list called Topics.

2. Add Animal, Weather, and Food as list items.

3. Create a custom field named Topics and link it to the list.

4. Now, users can select a Topic for each dictionary entry.

6. Formatting & Displaying Tables

• Tables can be created using Unified Standard Format Markers (USFM).

• Example: A table listing the days of the week in French and English.

Steps to Create a Table

1. Create a custom field named Table (Single-line text).

2. Use USFM codes to format data.

3. Enter data row by row, using Shift+Enter for line breaks.

4. Use Configure Dictionary to display the table.

7. Managing Custom Fields

• Editing Fields: Change name, type, or writing system.

• Hiding Writing Systems: Customize visible languages.

• Deleting Fields: Permanent and cannot be undone.

• Backing Up Data: Recommended before deleting any custom field.

8. Using Custom Fields in Send/Receive

• Warning: Custom field changes can affect shared projects.

• FLEx will display a warning when modifying custom fields in a Send/Receive project.

Completion:

• Includes hands-on exercises for creating and using custom fields.

• A quiz (80% passing score) to test understanding.

• Encourages backing up projects before making changes.

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com